Lewis Mumford

Lewis Mumford (1895-1990), American social philosopher, historian, and urban planner, born in Flushing, New York, and educated at the College of the City of New York, Columbia University, New York University, and the New School for Social Research, New York. Mumford believed that society is dehumanized by technological culture and that it must return to a perspective placing emotions, sensitivity, and ethics at the heart of civilization. He also made contributions in the fields of architecture and town planning. He was editor of a number of publications, including the Sociological Review (London, 1920). He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1955 and received the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. His works include The Culture of Cities (1938), Condition of Man (1944), The City in History (1961), Interpretations and Forecasts (1973), and Sketches from Life (1982).